I can't believe it. The summer went by so fast this year! We were so busy with swim lessons, summer camp, days at the beach, and play dates, that the school year snuck up on us!! I can't say I'm totally disappointed. It is my favorite time of year when back- to- school signs start popping up everywhere. The weather starts getting cooler (unless you live here in NC where it's still in the 90's), you can hear the occasional crow cawing hinting of the fall season ahead, planting ideas of pumpkins, falling leaves, chilly evenings, football, and blooming mums. I love it! The beginning of the school year means "new beginnings" with the start of new school supplies. It has always meant more to me than New Years, when I am at my highest stress level amongst birthdays and Christmas.
This year, Chase starts the 4th grade! He's nine years old (going on 13), and we can hardly believe how fast he is growing. He could not be a better brother and role model for Holden and Rhys. He is so smart, kind, funny, and handsome! He already has made new friends in his class and is loving school!
Holden is in the 3 year class in preschool and was SO excited to get going Wednesday morning! This is his third year in preschool and his confidence shone as he walked in to his new class with Mrs. Sonya. He immediately sat down at the table next to a new little boy and starting coloring after giving Rhys and I a hug goodbye! He didn't flinch as I walked out of the classroom! He loves his new class!
As Holden holds up 3 fingers to show which preschool class he is starting this year, I love seeing Rhys in this picture as he tries to process what Holden is doing and begin to imitate him. I tried to get Rhys to hold up one finger, but since Holden was holding up 3, that wasn't going to happen! = )
Sweet Rhys is beginning his 1st year at the preschool with Nana Bonnie. He was so excited to be a part of the action! Now that he has a backpack like Holden, he thinks he is so big! That morning, he followed Holden's instructions as to how to get ready for school, walked into Holden's class to say goodbye, and then walked into Bonnie's class without hesitation. He happily played while I said my goodbyes and didn't even care when I left the classroom! I couldn't believe it, but I knew it would be different the next day as he caught on to the program! That morning, the only time he cried was when he caught sight of Holden. I was told Holden came over to give him a hug which warms my heart! This is how their lives will be throughout school, two school years apart! How nice to be able to see each other!
Now with the boys in preschool 4 days a week and an extra hour on Mondays and Tuesdays for Lunch Bunch, I am planning what to do with my valuable time alone! I have a list of things, such as cleaning out closets and organizing our desk, as well as enjoying the time by working in the yard, sewing, doing yoga, and walking! On Wednesday, I met a friend of mine, Katie, for coffee and we spent 3 hours talking! Wonderful!! Yesterday, I took a walk and I felt naked without a stroller. It was great, however, I missed pointing out birds and flowers and it brought tears to my eyes. The first couple of weeks may be nice to have alone time, but I will quickly miss my little men more and more.
The school year is a wonderful time, but it does take some adjustment! I'll post more as the weeks progress!
